Eosinophils

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the body's immune system. They are produced in the bone marrow and are found in the blood and tissue throughout the body. Eosinophils are particularly important in fighting parasitic infections and in modulating inflammatory responses.

Function

Eosinophils function primarily in immune response and inflammation, especially when related to allergic disorders and certain infections. They are involved in the killing of certain parasites and help to control the extent and duration of inflammatory responses.

Production and Life Cycle

Eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow from stem cells. They then circulate in the blood until they are recruited to tissue sites by chemokines and other signaling molecules. The lifespan of an eosinophil in the tissue is typically 8-12 days, but can be much shorter in conditions of inflammation.

Role in Disease

Eosinophils are implicated in a number of diseases, including asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and hypereosinophilic syndrome. In these conditions, eosinophils can cause tissue damage and dysfunction due to their release of toxic granules and pro-inflammatory molecules.

Treatment

Treatment of diseases involving eosinophils typically involves reducing the number of eosinophils in the blood and tissues, often through the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

See Also

• White blood cell
• Immune system
• Inflammation
• Asthma
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome

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